Simon Prodger is a man who has found himself in the eye of the storm during a summer like no other. The head of the National Cricket Conference has been in constant communication with the ECB and clubs and leagues up and down the country as the recreational game attempted to navigate its way through a period of unprecedented uncertainty.
The uncertainty that until relatively recently looked set to single out 2020 as the year when no club cricket was played anywhere in the UK. That threat has passed, but as clubs grapple with the new normal – no teas, no changing rooms, and regular sensitisation of both ball and hands – it’s clear that some threats to the long-term future of the sport at the grassroots level remain.
Not least, the provision of facilities owned by local authorities and the ubiquitous park leagues which are home to huge swathes of Asian and African Caribbean cricketers across the country.
“Getting the game back on has demonstrated a huge surge in support and the collaboration we’ve witnessed between county boards, leagues and clubs has probably never been seen to such an extent before,” he tells The Cricket Paper. “There are so many positives.
Denne historien er fra August 23, 2020-utgaven av The Cricket Paper.
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Denne historien er fra August 23, 2020-utgaven av The Cricket Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Kohli leads RCB to much-needed win
VIRAT KOHLI returned to top form with 72 not out to lead RCB to an eight-wicket victory over the Royals in Abu Dhabi.
TEWATIA HAS SPARKED MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE IPL
James Wallace admits he has been surprisingly taken in by the IPL so far – and, in particular, the performance of a new Royal renegade
Whitewash victory is just the T20 tonic for Keightley
A SERIES that few thought would come to fruition ended in triumph for England who completed a 5-0 whitewash of the West Indies in Derby.
TEN OUT OF TEN! RYAN IS BASKING IN MORE GLORY
Chris Stocks catches up with Ryan ten Doeschate, who has plotted Essex’s recent county domination every step of the way
Surrey have the Will to end hoodoo
WILL Jacks may be a hot batting prospect but he’s relished the added responsibility with the ball in Surrey’s charge to T20 Finals Day.
NOW IT'S OUR TIME TO HELP OTHERS
Chris Stocks catches up with England’s director of cricket and discusses the need for the ECB to help boards around the world
IT'S OFTEN DOWN TO A THROW OF THE DICE
Garfield Robinson explains just how big a part luck plays in determining success or failure in sport
FINDING TALENTS LIKE TOM IS A GAIN IN ITSELF
One of the unexpected highlights to emerge from English cricket’s Covid-attenuated season was the chance given to young players to strut their stuff. With many overseas players and Kolpaks affected by travel restrictions many counties looked instead to the young talent on their staffs with gratifying results.
Future looks bright for the Ohio Slinger
ALI Khan is earning his stars and stripes in the Indian Premier League, with the first American to play in the tournament breaking down barriers in every sense.
Spin trio put squeeze on after Glenn shows off skill with the bat
SARAH GLENN helped England spin it to win it after proving she can make an all-round contribution.
